Candidates Talk About Role of Lt. Governor

The Republican candidates for lieutenant governor have different ideas on what their role will be in a new administration. In the first Illinois election in which candidates for governor get to select their running mates, some of the potential No. 2s are promising to take on new responsibilities.

State Rep. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy), who is running alongside State Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale), says she’ll focus on regulations on businesses. “He wants me to serve as the repealer,” Tracy said. “The bureaucracy and the red tape are hindering business growth and development.”

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State Sen. Bill Brady’s running mate, Maria Rodriguez, says she’ll represent the governor in the Chicago area – she was once mayor of Long Grove, in Lake County – along with advocating for the interests of small towns and small businesses. “It really gives us a chance to really identify the role, and tailor it to what’s needed in the state right now,” Rodriguez said.

Steve Kim, a Republican candidate for lieutenant governor running with State Treasurer Dan Rutherford, says his role will be as the head of a new office aimed at attracting companies to the state

The state Constitution says the lieutenant governor can be assigned duties by the governor, though the main role of the office is to take over if something happens to the governor.